Real Estate Blog - Bowness Real Estate

New Year's Eve Fun Facts

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! We hope you enjoy a fun, safe evening ringing in 2022! Just like last year, I think everyone is more than ready to begin a new year. Hopefully this one brings us a step closer to some normality after a tumultuous two years. 

Here are some fun facts about New Year's Eve to get you pumped up for tonight:

• The very first New Year's Eve was celebrated 4,000 years by the ancient Babylonians.
• Celebrating with friends and family is a tradition because legend has it the first people you see will either give you good or bad luck; make sure you look at someone who likes you!
• The first ball drop in Times Square New York was in 1907. They used the ball, covered in 25 watt bulbs, because of a fireworks ban. Now the…

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Free Activities To Do Over Winter Break

With Christmas over, Calgarians are buckling back down and tightening their purse strings. With this in mind, here are some fun and free activities to enjoy in the wintertime: 

• Kananaskis Hiking: Calgary is at the doorstep of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Whether you are a seasoned climber or a novice hiker, there are trails for all skill levels and age groups. Places like the grotto offer an incredible peak into the indigenous hieroglyphics, and there is even a cold war bunker you can hike up to in Heart Creek. You don't have to scale a mountain, but it is nice to get some fresh air and enjoy everything the mountains have to offer. Pack a lunch and some snacks and enjoy!
• Studio Bell: Much like the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville,…

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Last Minute Gift Guide

Christmas is this weekend! Are you scrambling for a last minute gift idea? Don't worry, you're not alone. Here are some ideas for the different people in your life:

• For your Nerdy co-worker:  A subscription to LootCrate, which is a box delivered monthly that is filled with fandom paraphernalia. With exclusive collectors items, comics, t-shirts and more this is a sure winner and the gift the keeps giving every month.
• For that niece you are trying to reconnect with: A boss babe mug from Indigo and Mindy Kaling's book "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" Hot tip: read the book before you wrap it. It is hilarious and insightful, and your niece will think you are the coolest. 
• For your child's piano teacher: A Starbucks gift card and mug…

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Throwing A Stress Free Holiday Party

The holidays are full of parties and events. Here are some of our best tips on how to host a stress-free gathering:

1). Give yourself some time. While last minute parties are all fun and games, they typically lead to incredible amounts of unnecessary stress. Typically two weeks notice is an appropriate amount of time for yourself and guests, however since the holidays are such a busy time we recommend sending invites at least three weeks before the big day.

2). Plan ahead. Make your shopping lists, start crafting the decor and prepare as much food as early on as possible. Lots of desserts, like pies and cookies, can be made in advance. Even some main course items can be made ahead of time. The more you can get done before the event, the less…

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The Advantage of Buying a Home Right Before Year’s End

When people start to think about buying a home, they normally opt for the springtime to be their point of entry. After all, everyone knows that the spring and summer are the busiest times of the year for the real estate market. Everyone wants to move during their summer holiday, when the weather is warm, and the market is booming. However, these people are overlooking the value of waiting for winter. More specifically, for right before the end of the year...

Buying a home now, at year's end, comes with many benefits. Here are some top ones, according to Realtor.com:

• Builder Upgrades: "If you’re buying a house that is brand new, there’s a good chance builders may push to close the books on their year—and meet quotas. They may offer upgrades or…

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How to Host a COVID-19 Safe Holiday Get Together

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means Christmas parties and get-togethers are on the horizon. While nothing can stop the excitement of the holidays, as we head into our second holiday season in the midst of a pandemic, many people are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, too. A holiday get together isn't as simple as they once were. 

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 poses a threat to many people's holiday plans as governments around the world are introducing stricter gathering limits. Many are worried we could see a shut down similar to that of 2020's March lockdown. While Omicron has not proven itself to be a harder hit of COVID, it has proven itself to be much easier to catch; even if you are double vaccinated. This is frustrating…

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How to Sell Your Pet Friendly Home

There are many exciting things you can do when you own a home, such as diversifying your investment portfolio and doing whatever home renovations you want. Another huge bonus? Getting to bring home a pet.

Often when renting, pets are not allowed at all, the kind of pets allowed are limited, or renters are charged extra fees per pet on the property. All of these options aren't ideal for anyone who loves having a furry friend around. This is why owning a property, where you get to make the rules, is so exciting! When you own your home, you can have as many pets as your heart desires. 

Scientific studies have proven time and time again that people with pets live longer and are generally happier. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, fish, or…

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Best Christmas Lights in Calgary

Calgary loves to celebrate the holidays. A drive through any neighbourhood will quickly get you in the Christmas spirit. In Bowness, Christmas wreaths are lights adorn the streetlights and shops, giving the community even more of a festive, small-town feel. It is our favourite time of the year to drive through one of our favourite communities. 

Here is an inexpensive holiday activity idea: get a cup of hot chocolate from Tim Hortons and take a drive through the city. Set your radio to 95.9 CHRM for non-stop Christmas music and turn up the heat. Not sure where to start on this beautiful, Christmas adventure? Here are some places to check out:

1). Downtown Core: Many buildings in the downtown core are adorned with Christmas lights inside and out.…

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Shop Local this Christmas

Calgary has a thriving small business sector that we always like to encourage people to check out. It is important to support small local businesses and the Calgarian's that pour their hearts into them, especially this year as many Calgary businesses have faced loses due to COVID-19. As they say, when you shop from a big box store, a CEO doesn't blink twice. When you shop from a small business, the owner does a little happy dance. Support a fellow Calgarian this Christmas by buying your holiday gifts from one of these local shops:

• Outside The Shape: A curated shop with items from local YYC makers. You can find everything from candles to jewelry to workshops here!
• Plant: Your succulent dreams will come true in his gorgeous shop featuring all…

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Home Resolutions

In the New Year many people make personal resolutions, such as losing weight, advancing in their career, paying off debt, etc. Kicking off the new year with specific goals in mind will help you stay focused. There is nothing quite like the start of a new year, in this case 2020, to inspire you to be the best you. 

Read about The Most Popular New Year's Resolutions. 

While many of us make personal and professional resolutions, another area of your life to set some goals for is your home! Here are some suggestions:

• Renovate: Make this the year you finally renovate that room you have been wanting to forever, or to finish a renovation you began but abandoned. You don't have to complete it in one day; you can do it in phases. Looking for advice…

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